Derby Days

After July 4th, came Redmond Derby Days. There were all kinds of competitions in town: running, bicycle racing, etal. The town center was very gay. There was a free concert at the park at night and we went around the carnival fair too after supper. We were so lucky to have participated in all these July celebrations without even planning them. Thank God for all these wonderful holidays and vacation opportunities spent with my husband Lucas, my son Roy and my daughter Martha. Thank you very much!

Concert at the park.

Dancing to the music.

The ferry's wheel

The carousel

At the game booth.

Daring ride

Look at me...I am at the fair! Hehehe.....

Chihuly Glass and Garden

Free family picture at the garden.

Colorful ethnic weaves inside the museum.

Glass sculptures inside the museum.

Beautiful glass hangings.

At the garden - glass sculptures complimented the beautiful blossoms.

These were real blossoms. So beautiful!

 Enjoying with Roy and Martha.

It was drizzling on our way out, the Chihuly Glass and Garden was located near the Space Needle. We decided to take a photo with the Seattle's famous landmark.

We also took a picture with this sculpture near the Space Needle area. Let me tell you, the new generations do not even know that this sculpture is a piece of office (typewriter) eraser. Hehehe.

Brewery and Winery at Redmond

Red Hook Brewery

Attentive visitors

Samples of beer.

The factory

Lunch at the brewery restaurant.

After lunch we walked to the adjacent winery - Chateau St. Michelle :

Grape vines along the path.

Look at the bunches of budding grapes.

Wow, bountiful.

At the chateau.

Rested at the lobby.

With glass sculpture at the lobby.

At the winery garden. "What are these berries called?" They looked like blueberries.

Bear berries?

Fragrant tree blossoms!

Can't resist taking a picture with the pine tree too. Hehe.

Lavender Farm

It was a nice day to visit the lavender farm.

So pretty!

They had all kinds of merchandise inside the lavender shop, including lavender cookies and ice creams. Even though a little bit pricey I couldn't resist buying their little knick knacks. And we all ended up eating their ice cream too. Hahaha.

Lucas painted the beautiful scenery of a creek beside the farm in watercolor. 

Visiting Rev. Ron Jones

Reverend Ronald Jones was an evangelical pastor in Timanan, Upi. He had since left Philippines and went back to United States. He pastored in Wasilla, Alaska for some time but is now retired and lives in Tacoma, Washington. My husband Lucas is a good friend of the reverend and they keep in touch through Facebook. Since we were in Seattle, we decided to visit the good reverend at his home in Yakima, Tacoma. It took us about 3 hour ride to reach his place but it was worth the travel. We did enjoy the road ride and simply happy to see the good reverend in high spirit with his wife Karen in their cozy beautiful retirement house.

On our way, we passed by Ellensburg and ate lunch at a certain rustic place called Daily Bread. The cashier was doned in some kind of an Amish outfit and the other girls in long apparel. I so wanted o take a picture with the cashier in Amish garb but I was just afraid to be rude and offend her. I opted to stay put and behaved myself.

For lunch, I ordered a bowl of broccoli cream soup and half a turkey sandwich. A copy of Our Daily Bread book was on the table.

Took a picture of the establishment. 

 Decided to ride through the Tacoma Canyon Road instead of the highway. Took time for some photo ops.

Beautiful scenery.

Took more pictures from the car.

 

 Desert area

 Finally, we reached our destination. Here's Lucas and Rev. Ron Jones inside the pastor's home.

Get together photo.

Nice seeing you both Reverend and Karen Jones. God's willing, we may see each other again.

One Shopping Day

We went shopping at the outlet mall before the July 4th celebration. We wanted to avail of the independence day discount, but it seemed everybody else had the same idea. It took us quite a while to find a parking space, and while inside the mall, there seemed to be some kind of panic buying for sale's merchandise. Hahaha. We bought clothes mostly. I didn't buy much but I helped Martha to shop some. Before going home for the day, we decided to eat out somewhere nearby. Roy looked for a good restaurant review from his phone. The place we soon located was a gasoline station eatery at Marysville. We kind of hesitated at first, but the review proved to be right. We really ate and savored good authentic Mexican food. My youngest son Emil's girlfriend is a Mexican American by the way. Muchas Gracias!

Happily we found this nice place for dinner.

Lucas with the sombrero.

 

This was my order....hmm..yummy...really good!

Tortillas

Roy enjoying his meal. Hahaha. 

July Fourth Celebration

We had a blast celebrating July 4th at Bellevue, Washington, USA:

With Uncle Sam. Hehehe.

Roasted corn....

Pop corn.....

 Free potato chips.......

Lemonade.......

Street food......

Food trucks.....

Picnic at the park....

Funnel cake, soda etc....what fun to recklessly eat anything to your fancy! Hahaha.

Some solemn moment at the park - war memorial.

Fantastic fireworks......

 Great symphony.......

Capping the celebration was the superlative performance of the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra. What a wonderful celebration. Such a great country. Happy July 4th everyone!!!